Abstract
Judaism has a positive attitude to sexual relations within a marriage, and views such sexual relations as important not only for procreation but also as part of the framework of marriage. This is true for any age group, and sexuality is seen as an essential element of marriage for couples of advanced age. In this article, the authors present the views of Jewish law and thought regarding sexuality among older couples. The authors illustrate this using 3 case studies of couples who sought guidance in the area of sexuality. In addition, this area of counseling benefits greatly from an ongoing relationship and dialogue between expert rabbis in the field and therapists treating older Orthodox Jewish patients for sexual dysfunction. The triad relationship of couple, therapist, and rabbi enhances the ability to treat and assist such couples to seek treatment and overcome their difficulties.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors thank Dr. William Petok and Prof. David Weitzman for reviewing the material and assistance in preparing this article.
Notes
1Genesis 1:28
2Exodus 21:10
3Ben Ish Chai, Vayera, 2nd year
4Sanhedrin 58b s.v. “Sheloh KeDarkha”
5Shabbat 140b, and Rashi s.v. “Marganita Achvin Lei”
6Ketubot 62b
7Rabbi Eliyahu Abergel Rabbi in Jerusalem, personal communication, February 11, 2010.
8Israeli Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar, personal communication, February 11, 2010, Rabbi Dov Lior the Chief Rabbi of Kiryat Arba/Hebron, December 24, 2010, and Rabbi Nevenzhal Chief Rabbi of the Old City of Jerusalem, October 19, 2010.